Page 52 of Prisoner of Steel and Shadow

Her words were swallowed by the wind as he called on his gift of Air once more. This time around, he had no intention of keeping pace with her. She was fast; he’d give her that. But he was faster.

He'd been checking his speed all day to keep her in sight. Despite whatever she may think, he'd known all along she'd be a target. It was the whole reason he’d stayed close. He wanted to keep an eye on her. Because while she was in this competition to win, he was in it only for her. If or when they made it to the end and had to face off against each other, they’d cross that bridge when they got there. Until then, he had every intention of keeping her alive and unharmed.

Hopefully somewhere in the middle of all that, he would make her remember him.

But right now? In this moment? He had a point to prove.

Ronan jumped forward on a magic-induced burst of speed, unapologetically using his gift. He shot down the road, barely registering the roar of the crowd. They could have been booing him for all he cared. It made no difference. He knew Shadow was close behind, but he didn’t risk a glance back to see just how close. All that mattered now was winning.

She could accuse him of underestimating her all she wanted. The truth was, she underestimatedhim. Shadow had no idea how far he’d gone to get here. How much further he’d go before he gave up.

He’d nearly welcomed death when he thought he’d lost her. Now that she was within reach, that he knew she was alive, not even death would stop him. One way or another, he was getting his woman back. Even if he had to make her fall for him all over again.

The vine-covered arch that led to the palace’s courtyard loomed closer, the faces in the crowd continuing to blur as he pulled his token free and shot through the opening and straight up the steps to where the High Lord and Dmitri stood waiting. There were perhaps a handful of other people with them, but not a single one of them was a competitor.

Dmitri held out a hand, so Ronan slapped his token into it with a smug grin. Then he glanced around, his lungs burning, his smile stretching. He hadn’t just beat Shadow. He’d beaten everyone.

As she sprinted up the stairs not even a minute later, a look of absolute disbelief crossed her face as she realized the same.

It was on the tip of his tongue to goad her. After the tongue lashing she’d delivered, it was the least she deserved, but the words died on his tongue as he caught the High Lord’s disappointed stare.

Shadow’s shoulders stiffened as he took her chin in his hand and lowered his lips to her ear. To everyone else it must appear like a tender gesture. Ronan saw it for the act of dominance it was.

The bastard’s growled words only proved it. “I expected better from you.”

“You and me both.” Shadow’s voice was just as quiet but strained.

Erebos’s hold on her chin tightened, and it took everything in Ronan not to gut him then and there.

“Do you think this is some kind of game?”

Shadow tipped her head back to meet his gaze. “Isn’t it?”

Anger flashed in the High Lord’s eyes. “You’ve made a mockery of us both. Go straight to your room. I’ll deal with you later.”

Without so much as a glance back in Ronan’s direction, Shadow did as she was told.

If there was ever any doubt he had her under some kind of spell, that was the proof. Shadow didn’t meekly obey anyone. She gave as good as she got. She fought tooth and nail. But for Erebos, she caved, trudging off to her room with all the enthusiasm of a naughty child bracing for punishment.

Ronan bit back a snarl, the High Lord’s eyes meeting his as he turned away from Shadow’s retreating back.

When I find out what you’ve done to her, you sadistic sonofabitch, I will repay your kindness tenfold. You’d better pray that when that day comes, the Mother takes mercy on your soul, because I sure as hell won’t.

Erebos stiffened as if sensing the unspoken promise, and then his lips curled up in a sinister one of his own. As their eyes locked and held, Ronan would have sworn he heard the High Lord’s voice echo in his mind.

“The only god I serve is Death.”

CHAPTER16

EREBOS

The sun had long set, but the trial remained unfinished. He’d retired to his private suite of rooms once it became obvious it could take all night. Since then, Dovina and Dominic had taken turns providing him with updates, and he was due for another any minute.

A muscle ticked in his jaw as he waited. He was not an impatient man by nature; he could appreciate better than most the effectiveness of biding one’s time. But ever since learning of the presence of one of the Chosen in his realm, he was almost constantly on edge. Especially after that insignificant littlefleadared threaten him so openly.

What’s worse, where one went, more usually followed. Especially if they were associated with Luna’s Vessel.

Just as he was about to do something truly pathetic to pass the time, like pace, the door slid open.

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